Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes) is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any occasion. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with a rich, savory gravy, all served over creamy mashed potatoes. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of tender chicken and savory gravy creates a comforting meal that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: While it’s delicious over mashed potatoes, you can also serve it with rice or egg noodles for variety.
- Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters will love this dish! It’s simple enough to please even the fussiest of palates.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well in the fridge, making it great for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes), you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking chicken evenly while allowing space for making the gravy.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Ensures that your gravy is smooth by eliminating lumps during preparation.
- Meat thermometer: Helps you check if chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165℉.
Ingredients
To prepare Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes), gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts split lengthwise into thinner breasts; or 4 medium/small chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt & black pepper
For the Gravy
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp chicken base (we recommend Better Than Bouillon brand)
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (Optional!!)
For Serving
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
How to Make Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
- In a small bowl, mix together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, along with some salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium-low in your skillet. Add butter and chicken base; stir until melted.
Step 3: Create the Gravy
- Sprinkle your flour mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in chicken stock while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Add water and whisk until there are no lumps. Let it simmer until thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy
- If desired, shred the cooked chicken before adding it back into the gravy along with any juices collected during cooking.
- Allow everything to simmer together for another few minutes.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Taste your gravy before serving to see if additional seasoning is needed.
- Serve warm over Instant Pot mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy!
This Chicken and Gravy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!
How to Serve Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)
Serving Chicken and Gravy over mashed potatoes is a classic comfort food experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this dish.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the gravy.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots complement the savory flavors of the chicken and gravy.
On Top of Rice
- Fluffy White Rice: Serve the chicken and gravy over tender white rice for a filling meal that’s easy to prepare.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
With Bread
- Garlic Bread: A crispy garlic bread on the side makes for great dipping into the rich gravy.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy.
Over Egg Noodles
- Butter Egg Noodles: Tossed with a little butter, egg noodles provide a different texture while keeping it comforting.
How to Perfect Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)
To ensure your Chicken and Gravy turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts will give you better flavor than frozen ones.
- Don’t Rush the Roux: Cook your roux until it’s golden; this enhances the flavor of your gravy significantly.
- Whisk Well: Avoid lumps in your gravy by whisking vigorously when adding chicken stock.
- Taste as You Go: Checking seasoning throughout cooking helps you achieve just the right flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)
Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Gravy can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and freshness.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the creamy gravy.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory dishes like chicken and gravy.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy sweet potatoes enhance the overall sweetness of your meal.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad brings in textures that balance out the dish’s richness.
- Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb alternative, mashed cauliflower offers creaminess without all the carbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes), it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Not seasoning adequately: Many people forget that seasoning is crucial for flavor. Lightly season the chicken breasts before cooking, as this sets the foundation for a tasty gravy.
- Skipping the roux: A roux is essential for thickening your gravy. Make sure to cook it properly; a good rule of thumb is to stir it for 30 seconds to a minute until it’s well combined before adding liquids.
- Adding salt too early: Avoid the mistake of adding extra salt while cooking the gravy. Taste at the end instead, as your chicken and stock may already provide enough seasoning.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Aim for an internal temperature of 165℉ for juicy, tender meat.
- Ignoring texture: If your gravy becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to add more chicken stock or water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days.
Freezing Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)
- Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken breasts; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
How do I make Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes) less salty?
To reduce saltiness, taste your gravy after cooking. You can dilute it with additional chicken stock or water.
What sides pair well with Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)?
This dish goes wonderfully with green beans, peas, or even garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes) recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or varying the spices according to your taste. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)
Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of Chicken and Gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. This delightful dish features tender, shredded chicken smothered in a rich and savory gravy, creating a meal that brings joy to your taste buds. Whether you’re gathering the family for dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 medium/small)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (Optional!!)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (for serving)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked (165℉). Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the same skillet, melt butter and add chicken base. Stir in the flour mixture to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock and water until the gravy thickens.
- Shred the chicken if desired and stir it back into the gravy; simmer briefly.
- Serve warm over prepared mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
